STAR-LEDGER FILE PHOTODon Kirshner, left, and legendary songwriters Carole King and Gerry Goffin in an undated photo. The couple were inspired to write "Pleasant Valley Sunday, " a hit for the Monkees, by their drive to Kirshner's house in the suburbs.
Courtesy Don Kirshner.)

Songwriter-producer Don Kirshner is dead at 76. He died Monday of heart failure in Boca Raton, Florida, says a statement from his publicist.

Kirshner, who spent time living in New Jersey (and owned a home in New Vernon), was known in the record industry as "The Man With the Golden Ear." He had early success as a co-founder of Aldon Music in Manhattan, and worked with such legendary Brill Building songwriters as Neil Sedaka, Carole King, Ellie Greenwich and Barry Mann.

A prolific producer-promoter, Kirshner was instrumental for launching the career of Bobby Darin, Neil Diamond and Tony Orlando as well as discovering rock acts such as Kansas. Barbra Streisand, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, and many others have all recorded Kirshner songs.

He also earned the nickname "Supreme Starmaker" for cultivating chart toppers like "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" and "Where The Boys Are." He was also very instrumental in getting the Monkees a national spotlight with such hits as "I'm a Believer."

In 1973, Kirshner made a move to television where he created and appeared on his own syndicated weekly rock-concert program called "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert." It featured many live performances, a departure from lip-synched performances from the heyday of TV. Many consider it the predecessor to MTV.

It was known for presenting many of the most successful rock bands of the era, but what was consistent week-to-week was Kirshner's trademark flat delivery as host.

Editor's note: This story was modified to correct a fact about the infamous 'Brill Building.'